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Install Clear Bra & Get Invisible Protection of Your Car’s Paintwork
As the name suggests, a clear bra is an invisible layer of film that is aimed at protecting the paintwork of your vehicle. It is a category of paint protection films in the form of a very thin but strong layer of polyurethane that covers the surface of a car. In order to retain all its protective properties, it must be installed by professionals. Here at Tinting Chicago, we offer only top-of-the-market PPFs. Give us a call at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493 for a free quote or to book your appointment today and get your paint protection film installed in the shortest possible time.
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What is a clear bra – a short introduction
In the past, paint protection film installation was only a thing for car enthusiasts willing to invest thousands of dollars in the original paintwork protection of new cars. These days, that’s not the case, and a clear bra is affordable to any driver. Just like covering the screen of a smartphone helps to protect what is underneath, a clear bra is a reasonable solution to cover and protect your car’s paint with paint protection film. Car’s paint protection film can be used to cover your entire car or just its specific parts from road debris. It is an excellent shield for UV protection and a barrier against light scratches. It can also be removed or replaced whenever you want without affecting the original paint.
| View all packages | Coupe/Sedan | SUV/Pickup |
| Front Bumper, partial hood and fenders and headlights | from $950 | from $1000 |
| Full Front (front bumper, fenders, hood, headlights) | from $1700 | from $1850 |
| Full car (all exterior painter parts of the vehicle) | from $5499 | from $5999 |
| 1000+ reviews |
What does a clear bra do?
The main concept of paint protection film PPF is to maintain the car’s exterior in an excellent state. The focus is on vehicle’s paint. In other words, this thin layer of polyurethane film will help your car surface avoid potential damage like dings, scratches and environmental factors and to prolong car’s resale value and showroom look.
Paint protection cost
It is not a secret that paint protection film cost often prevents car owners from installing clear bra. This finishing is quite costly. At the same time, car paint protection prices can differ significantly, depending on labor required. Smaller vehicles, such as compact cars or sedans, usually have the lowest prices. However, for larger SUVs or trucks that have sharp contours and other detailing needs, you can expect to spend over a few thousand dollars on full coverage. But it is not the only important factor that may build up your clear bra cost.
Is that possible to minimize PPF installation cost?
You can reduce car paint protection costs by opting for partial coverage. Consider a clear bra for specific areas that are more prone to damage. In this case, it is advisable to focus on high-impact areas such as the front bumper, rocker panels and the hood.
Factors defining final paint protection film cost
These are the main things to consider when you are trying to estimate the paint protection film installation price for your car:
- The vehicle’s current paint condition. To achieve proper adhesion of the film to your car’s surface, a lot of prep work is needed. Neglecting this crucial step may result in various issues in the future. The amount of this preparation depends on the car’s condition. Sometimes, even paint correction is needed prior to PPF wrapping.
- Area of coverage. PPF installation companies typically provide options for both full-body and partial-body coverage. A full clear bra will involve additional costs compared to a partial installation. The pricing for partial installations can vary. A comprehensive front-end package typically includes protection for the most vulnerable areas of the car.
- The vehicle itself. The type and model of a vehicle also matter. Different makes and models are associated with different levels of difficulty. Vehicles with sleek, straightforward designs are relatively easy to PPF installation. But certain cars come with aspects that require more time and effort to ensure proper film coverage.
Is that worth saving on protection film quality?
You should always remember that you will get exactly what you paid for. So think twice before you opt for a cheap car paint protection price. The range of paint protection films is huge. Film choice directly influences its longevity. Low-quality films will quickly deteriorate, leaving bubbles and peels, while the best films will work flawlessly for up to ten years.
Installing PPF – DIY options
Many car owners consider do-it-yourself PPF installation as a great option for reducing car PPF cost. You can find a lot of pre-cut protective film kits to wrap your vehicle on your own. But if you do not have enough skills for this job, it can end up with a mess. Ideally, the installation of a clear bra should be exclusively carried out by highly skilled professionals who possess comprehensive training and have access to specialized tools and technology necessary for a successful installation. Incorrect application of the film will be highly evident, and it may even expose the vehicle to potential damage from external elements.
When can you be sure that your DIY PPF installation will be successful?
There are three components you should have to apply car paint protection film properly: the right environment, the correct tools and knowledge of techniques. If you miss any of these, it is better to entrust this meticulous process to experts. Do not hesitate to contact Tinting Chicago – our professionals will find the most affordable and reliable solution for your entire vehicle.
8 benefits of a clear bra installation
The key idea of car paint protection with PPF is to allow it to look new for longer. Actually, a protective film wrap works in several directions at once:
- Protects the paint from minor scratches and damage caused by rock chips and debris
- Maintains the shine of the paint
- Prevents the paintwork from chipping
- Protects the car from rusting
- Protects the car body from corrosion
- Keeps the paintwork looking fresh for longer
- Preserves the resale value of your car
- Saves you money in the long term (no need for paint correction)
PPF if a clear winner when it comes to car paint’s protection from UV rays, chips, rocks, debris and other environmental contaminants. However, PPF will not withstand heavier impacts and damages. If its surface is critically affected, you will need to replace it.
3 things to keep in mind when getting paint protection film
Before getting a clear bra for your vehicle, make sure to:
- Visit a reputable shop in your area with experienced technicians that will apply the film to the highest standards. The last thing you want is bubbles or uneven cuts that affect the look of your car. If you live in Chicago or nearby areas, our experts can assist you.
- Choose a trusted brand. In our shops, we only work with XPEL which offers the highest quality products and a 10-year warranty.
- Decide which of your vehicle’s parts you want to cover. Do you want to protect just certain parts like the doors, mirrors, or bumpers, or do you want to cover the entire car?
What is a must-have property of a protective film?
When looking for the best PPF products, consider those that come with self-healing properties. It means that the film will restore its original state after minor damages like scratches after your process the damage with a heat gun.
Finish types of paint protection film
There are several types of PPF finish available on the market. Still, the most popular ones are glossy and matte finishes. While customers may sometimes be confused, the main thing to know is that all films protect your vehicle in the same way. There is only a minor visual difference if you compare the matte film with a glossy one. The former one, also known as satin finish, will give your vehicle a kind of frosted look, while the latter is about a vibrant shine. Both will cope with their original goal – to protect your car’s paint from road debris and other natural elements.
What to choose – gloss or matte finish?
It is only an aesthetic difference, and even that is rather minor. So your choice will not affect the paint protection result. If you rely on film from reputable PPF producers like XPEL, your vehicle is always well-protected.
Paint protection film care and maintenance
The film requires proper maintenance to preserve its clarity and gloss. It is crucial to promptly remove any contaminants such as bird droppings, sap, or other foreign substances. Besides, it is equally important to regularly apply wax or sealant to the film to maintain its shiny surface. Here are a few essential tips that will help you keep PPF like new for years:
- Let the film cure for 48 hours after installation. Even driving is better to be avoided for a few days after you install PPF.
- Clean PPF-covered car with extreme care. You should avoid commercial car washes and opt for hand wash. Do not use brushes or paper clothes for the car’s surface. Opt for PH-neutral products and forget about abrasive materials.
- Clean all contaminants from the film. Do not let mud, bird droppings and other dirt stay long on the car’s surface. Wipe these down with a soft cloth or use a special film cleaner to remove these.
- Apply wax every 2-3 months to protect the PPF’s surface. You can also apply ceramic coatings to reduce the necessity of too frequent wash.
What is strictly forbidden in PPF care?
It is a rule to avoid pressure washers. The high-pressure water source may cause the peeling of film edges speeding up its wear and tear.
Get a quality clear bra installation service in Chicago
If you want to protect your vehicle for many years to come, Tinting Chicago, a professional paint protection film installer, is here to assist you. You can find us at 3621 N Harlem Ave. and 2720 W Grand Ave in Chicago or at 1402 N Rand Rd in Palatine, or give us a call at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493 if you have any questions!
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The clear bra paint protection films we use in our shops have a warranty of 10 years from fading, staining, cracking, blistering or delaminating. We also offer a warranty of 10 years for our installation to ensure that the PPF will not peel off. Scratches and regular wear & tear are not covered by these warranties.
The price depends on the size of your vehicle and which parts you want to cover, but here are some rough estimates:
- Hood: $130-$650
- Bumper: $400
- Fender: $80-$380 each
- Mirror: $80 each
- Headlight: $80 each
- Door: $25 each
- Rear loading zone stripe: $100-$120.
No — if the underlying paint job was original and if the PPF application was done correctly. When removing a clear bra, it’s also recommended to go to a specialist as they will use a heat gun and adhesive remover to not leave any sticky residue behind. If you decide to add the film yourself, then the risk of getting the paint damaged is much higher. So if you care about your car, take it to a professional to handle the job.
If you have the right knowledge and experience, yes, you can. But if you have never done something like this before, it’s much better to get the help of an expert. Our technicians are well trained and can apply the PPF to the highest standards without any bubbles or uneven cuts. You can find us at 3621 N Harlem Ave and 2720 W Grand Ave, or call us at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493.